Video: "Wrong Way"

All these signs, signals and pavement markings also keep us going in the
right direction. Have you ever driven in the wrong direction, or
encountered a wrong way driver? Chapter 3 discussed this possibility and
how you can avoid crashing into the oncoming vehicle. Watch the
following video showing a real-life scenario to learn exactly what to do
in this type of situation.

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Traffic Signs and Control Lights

Communication between other drivers, the traffic signals that control
flow, and between traffic signs that warn and alert is vital to the
safe operation of a motor vehicle. Knowing what road symbols, markings
and signs mean cannot be a luxury or afterthought. This knowledge will
make you a more conscientious driver.

Signs

1. Yellow/Warning signs
- These signs warn you of an upcoming hazard or change in road
conditions and do not refer to present conditions. They are yellow in
color and diamond-shaped. Yellow warning signs tell you to slow down and
beware of extraordinary situations.

2. Stop signs
- A stop sign requires you to make a full stop prior to entering a
crosswalk or an intersection. You must stop before the white limit line
that is normally displayed or painted on the streets, or if a limit line
is not present, prior to the corner. This sign is in the shape of an
octagon and is red and white in color. It is wise to check for
pedestrians or unexpected traffic before proceeding forward. You should
stop completely to obey the law and yield to opposing traffic. Make sure
it is safe to pull away from a stop sign no matter how long you may
need to wait prior to proceeding. An intersection (of any kind) is the
most dangerous place on the roads, so stop signs need to be obeyed to
help prevent cross traffic collisions.

3. Yield signs
- These signs require you to slow down and allow traffic, bicycle
riders or pedestrians to pass before proceeding. This sign is in the
shape of a triangle. The yield sign is a signal to slow down and be
prepared to stop, if necessary, to let other vehicles proceed first. You
must not forcibly merge into traffic if a yield sign is present and
other vehicles have the right-of-way.

4. Merge signs
- These signs warn you that the lane in which you are driving will be
merging into another, requiring extra caution and the possibility of a
speed reduction or increase. Merge signs call for extra courtesy to
those who will be merging into your lane. This sign is in the shape of a
diamond (as are all other warning signs).

5. Regulatory signs -
These signs instruct you of actions that must be obeyed immediately.
Many of these signs call for an immediate slowing of the vehicle and
heightened awareness of upcoming obstructions. Most of these signs are
white in color.

6. Do Not EnterThis
sign warns you that entrance onto this roadway will be directly in
conflict with oncoming traffic. If you ignore these signs, you will be
driving the wrong way.

7. Construction Signs - These signs are normally orange in color and warn of a construction or maintenance area.

8. Motorist Services - These signs are blue in color and alert you to service areas such as rest stops.

9. Recreational Signs - These brown signs alert you to areas of public recreation and possible cultural interest.

Remember, these shapes always tell you the following:

Octagon = Stop

Triangle = Yield

Horizontal Rectangle = Information or Guidance

Pennant = No Passing

Diamond = Warning

Round = Railroad Crossing

Pentagon = School

Vertical Rectangle = Regulatory

Control Lights

Control lights (signals) are in place to alert motorists of actions
on the road that may or may not be permissible. The following are some
of the more common control lights and their meanings:

1. Red - You must make a complete stop at a red
light. A red light calls for an immediate stopping of a vehicle, as it
would no longer have the right-of-way. (A right turn may be completed on
a red light if there are no signs prohibiting it, but you must first
yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. However, it is always illegal
to turn if there is a sign displaying "no turn on red.")

2. Flashing Red - A
flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must make a
complete stop and then proceed when it is safe to do so. It is important
to observe the right-of-way rules.

3. Yellow - A yellow light warns that a red light
is imminent. A yellow light does not call for a speed increase or
reduction, but requires extra caution and awareness. Many factors must
be considered when a decision is made to proceed or not on a yellow
light. Vehicle speed, the speed of other vehicles, and the density of
traffic, among others, must be factored into your decision.

4. Green - A green light allows you to proceed,
though it requires an awareness of all other vehicles and pedestrians on
the road. (You should never proceed, despite a green light, unless it
is safe to do so. When making a left turn on a green light, you must
ensure there is enough time and space to complete the turn prior to
conflict with other vehicles or road hazards.)

5. Red Arrow - A red arrow is essentially a red
light signifying that a turn may not be made against the red arrow. The
light must turn green or a green arrow must illuminate before you may
proceed. This arrow normally only alerts drivers in the left or right
turn lanes.

6. Green Arrow - The green arrow allows you to
make a turn and assumes you have unobstructed use of the highway. There
should be an awareness, however, of oncoming vehicles, bicycles or
pedestrians. There should be no presumption of right-of-way based solely
on the green arrow. A green arrow facing down indicates that you are
allowed to drive in that lane.

7. Red X - This signal indicates a lane where you cannot drive during certain hours.

8. Yellow X - This signal indicates that you should move out of the lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

9. Flashing Yellow X - This signal above a lane indicates that you may use the lane to make a left turn.

NOTE: During a traffic signal blackout, you
must always make a complete stop at the signal or intersection, have
heightened awareness of other vehicles on the road, and yield when
necessary.

Parking

Parking seems simple enough. There can't possibly be a way to do this
maneuver illegally or recklessly, can there? Think again! When you park
your car, you should never block traffic or leave your car in any of
the following situations:

When parking your car, be considerate of other people.

In an intersection or within 20 feet of one.

On a crosswalk or sidewalk.

In front of or blocking a driveway.

On an expressway, unless it's an emergency or specifically permitted or required by a police officer.

Within 3 feet of a disabled ramp on the sidewalk.

Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

At a yellow curb.

Where signs say "No Parking."

Within 50 feet of railroad tracks.

On the wrong side of the street.

Beside another parked vehicle, or double parking.

You may not park more than one foot from a curb.

In a parking space reserved for the disabled, unless you have a disabled placard or license issued in your name.

To prevent a runaway vehicle when parked headed downhill, the vehicle
should have its front wheels turned towards the curb, and the parking
brake should be set. When parked headed uphill, the front wheels should
be turned away from the curb, with one of the front tires touching the
curb. Also set the parking brake.

When parking your car, be considerate of other people. Sometimes
drivers try to fit into a tight spot between two parked cars and then
dent the sides of either or both vehicles when trying to leave their own
cars. If you hit another parked car, you must either try to find the
owner or leave a note. As discussed earlier in Chapter 10, the note must
include your name, address, phone number, driver's license number, the
date and time of the crash, and an estimate of the damage. Be sure to
leave enough space for you and the other carsí occupants to open the
doors. Drive carefully when parking and observe the same rules for
driving in any other situation.

This is a flash that shows how to parallel park

Safety Tips to Help Protect You and Your Family

Before you get behind the wheel...

1.Have a Clear Head.

Make sure you always have a clear head before deciding to operate a
motor vehicle. Alcohol and certain drugs, both illegal and legal, can
severely impair your driving skills. Many prescription and
over-the-counter medications can cause dangerous drowsiness. Get a good
night's rest, and don't drive for long stretches without a break. If you
are tired, don't risk the safety of yourself and others on the highway
by trying to drive. Just as with alcohol, designate a driver or choose
another means of transportation, such as a taxi or public
transportation.

2. Limit Driving Alone When Tired.

Driving with someone else in the car can increase your overall
alertness. It is well-recognized that when driving alone, especially
when sleep-deprived and at night, your chances of a crash are
dramatically increased.

3. Read the Labels.

If you are taking medications, be sure to read and obey the warning
labels. IF the label says the medication causes drowsiness or you should
not drive--heed the warning and don't drive. The warnings are there for
a reason. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or to ask about medications for your condition that don't
cause drowsiness.

4. Plan Ahead.

Give yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination and to
allow for emergencies or traffic jams. In today's busy world, most of us
are in a hurry to get where we are going. By setting aside extra time,
we can be more relaxed when operating our vehicles and thereby cut down
on incidences of aggressive driving or road rage, such as excessive
speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out between cars.

5. Research Safety Features.

Safety should always be a top priority when shopping for a vehicle.
Research the safety performance of any vehicle you are considering
buying, including how the vehicle performs in crash tests. Both driver
and passenger side air bags are now mandatory in all new cars. Look for
side impact bags in many new models as well. When buying a used vehicle,
look for one with air bags. Research what type of safety systems are in
the car, and choose the safest to protect yourself and your loved ones
in the event of a collision.

In the Driver's Seat...

6. Relax.

Avoid aggressive driving by relaxing and having patience. By not
being in such a rush to reach your destination, you will be a calmer
person and won't feel the need to speed or run red lights. A yellow
light means slow down, not speed up. Always stop at red lights.

7. Be Alert To Signs of Fatigue.

If you start to feel tired when driving, pull over in a safe area and
let someone else drive. If you are alone, pull into a safe location,
such as a well-lit rest stop, and take a short nap, or get out of the
car and walk around for a few minutes. Stop as often as necessary. When
traveling on long trips, eat light. Large, heavy meals can make you
drowsy.

8. Practice Common Sense Safety Rules.

Always wear your safety belt, and make sure all your passengers are
buckled properly, even on short trips. If traveling with children,
educate yourself on the many kinds of child safety seats and restraints.
Choose which system is best for your child, and always follow the
directions. Make sure children ages 12 and under are always buckled up
in the back seat, which is the safest place to ride.

9. Keep Your Eyes on the Road.

Avoid taking your eyes off the road by eliminating any possible
distractions ahead of time. Before setting out on a drive, be sure that
important items are within easy reach, i.e. directions and maps,
sunglasses, etc. Reduce to a minimum possible dangerous diversions of
your attention from the tasks of safe driving, such as changing tapes or
compact discs, and always pull over to a safe place to use your
cellular telephone.

Remember to always keep to the right. Stay alert and pay attention to
the signs, signals and road markings so you donít drive the wrong way
yourself.

Is it legal to make a "rolling stop" at intersections that have stop signs? Why or why not?

Please type your response below. Your journal will be saved when you continue to the next section.